Reminders on how to stay safe this Halloween

Halloween is almost here and the excitement is building for little children, especially when they see store displays with decorations, costumes and candy. While so much has changed, safety rules never go out of style.

It goes without saying that an adult should accompany young children when they go door to door looking for treats. Some parents drive their children to other developments where there may be more homes to visit, but is this practice really that safe to do?  When our children were small, we always stayed within our own neighborhood where we knew most of the homes they visited.  Our children were fortunate because our town hosted an annual “children’s parade.”

Families would meet on Halloween and walk through the main street in town in the early evening and auto traffic was blocked off.

A costume contest was held, sponsored by our local Lion’s Club and prizes awarded for the most unusual or creative costumes. Small goodie bags filled with candy and stickers were given to each young child that marched in the parade.  With fun like this, often there was no need to go door to door trick-or-treating. 

 However, if your child will be going out on Halloween night, here are some tips from the US Government General Services Administration and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission that parents should keep in mind. When shopping for a costume, try to coax your child into a brightly colored costume that is visible and easier for cars to see them on dark roads.  If they insist on a darker colored costume, stick some reflective tape on the costume to help them be more noticeable. Also put the tape on their tote bag they are using to hold their candy. Make sure they have a flashlight or glow stick along. To help children see more clearly when they are walking, use face paint instead of a mask that might obstruct their view.  Avoid getting the makeup in the child’s eyes and help them apply it safely. 

A few days before the holiday, test the face makeup to make sure the child is not allergic to the ingredients it contains. Avoid costumes that are below their shoe line or that have flowing capes or skirts that may cause them to trip. It is tempting for children to eat the treats they are receiving along the way, but try to impress on them against doing this.  Make sure your child has dinner or a light snack before going out so the temptation is lessened to munch on the candy.  Throw out any candy that looks open or partially unwrapped or contains homemade goods if you do not know the giver personally.   

Speaking of checking the treats they receive, parents of very young children should remove any choking hazards such as gum, peanuts, hard candies or small toys before the child gets a hold of them. If you are having an at home party, do not use candles in your Jack O’Lantern, instead use battery powered lights or glow sticks, especially around little children. Make sure your child’s Halloween costume is flame resistant in case a cape or part of the costume does come in contact with a flame.

It is up to parents to decide when their child is allowed to go out Trick or Treating without an adult along.  There is safety in numbers, and it is best to have your child go with a larger group and be restricted to your local neighborhood. 

Pedestrian safety is vital and children should be cautioned against running out between parked cars or across lawns and yards where ornaments, furniture, clotheslines or lawn sprinklers present dangers. Sturdy shoes or sneakers are a must and mommy’s high heels should be avoided for little girl’s dress up costumes.

Wishing everyone a safe, fun and Happy Halloween!